Cultivating Racial Equity and Inclusion at LAPL
Los Angeles Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
In 2021, the Changing Tones team began conducting staff workshops to build awareness and normalize conversations about race and equity for the California State Library’s Cultivating Racial Equity and Inclusion Initiative. We aim to create diverse perspectives, opportunities and resources through programming, collections and services.
Challenge/Opportunity
Cultivating and supporting inclusion, diversity and equity in the workplace has been a longstanding challenge for our library. Staff found it challenging to process the tragedies and trauma of 2020 and deliver quality public service. Changing Tones took the lead to facilitate courageous conversations and provide information about our organization’s past to explain today’s practices and lead to future improvements, providing a safe space for employees to share personal stories of discrimination.
Key Elements of Innovation
Staff spread through 73 branch libraries lacked opportunities to engage with one another and share experiences. Establishing Changing Tones workshops as a means to make important connections was relevant and necessary. Programs provide:
- A comfortable and safe space to share personal experiences of discrimination in the workplace
- Interactive history lessons to increase cultural competency
- A means to develop mutual respect in the workplace
- Normalization of racial equity discussions at staff meetings
Achieved Outcomes
Deeper conversations emerged from 5 workshops and 623 participants. We measured success through attendance and staff feedback. Changing Tones has built a following with attendance averaging 156 at each virtual workshop. We ask the same 3 survey questions about equity and diversity, and attitudes about cultural diversity have shifted over time toward inclusion. Comments include: “I just wanted to personally thank you for providing this platform filled with fun, education and comfort."
